The Malayalam mystery-thriller Kishkindha Kaandam, starring Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and Vijayaraghavan, has become one of the surprise hits of 2024. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, the film has steadily built momentum since its release on September 12, 2024. Despite facing tough competition from other Onam season releases, Kishkindha Kaandam has emerged as a sleeper hit, receiving positive word-of-mouth and growing box office numbers. By Day 12, the movie has seen a remarkable worldwide performance, surpassing expectations.
Budget and Critical Reception
Produced by Goodwill Entertainments, Kishkindha Kaandam was made on a relatively modest budget of ₹12 crore, which includes production and promotional costs. The film quickly captivated audiences with its gripping storyline involving a retired army officer, family secrets, and a mysterious gun. This intriguing premise, combined with strong performances, has helped the movie gain momentum at the box office. Critics have lauded Asif Ali’s portrayal of a layered character, and the film’s atmospheric direction has been praised for enhancing the tension.
Day 12 Worldwide Box Office Collection
As of Day 12, Kishkindha Kaandam has grossed ₹47.5 crore globally. Domestically, the film has accumulated ₹26.5 crore from its Kerala release and other parts of India. Overseas markets have also contributed significantly, with collections of ₹15.5 crore, reflecting the film’s strong international appeal. The sustained interest from audiences, especially in key markets like the UAE and other Gulf countries, has propelled the movie to maintain a steady run at the box office.
Day-wise Performance
Kishkindha Kaandam had a modest opening, collecting ₹45 lakh on its first day. However, the film’s fortunes improved over the weekend, driven by positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth. By the end of its first week, the movie had amassed ₹14.15 crore in India. The second weekend saw a surge, with Day 10 collections reaching ₹3.65 crore and Day 11 touching ₹4.1 crore. On Day 12, the film is estimated to have added another ₹2.9 crore to its tally, bringing its total worldwide collection to ₹47.5 crore.
Factors Behind Its Success
The film’s success can be attributed to several factors. First, the compelling mystery-thriller narrative kept audiences engaged, with plot twists and suspense maintaining interest throughout its run. Asif Ali’s nuanced performance has been a major draw, and the chemistry between him and co-star Aparna Balamurali added emotional depth to the thriller. Additionally, the movie’s release during the Onam festival gave it a boost, as families flocked to theaters during the holiday period.
Furthermore, the positive reception from critics and audiences alike helped maintain its steady growth. Many praised the film for balancing mystery with emotional drama, while Mujeeb Majeed’s haunting background score elevated the tense atmosphere.
Future Prospects
With ₹47.5 crore already in its bag, Kishkindha Kaandam is well on its way to becoming one of Asif Ali’s highest-grossing films. The film has already secured OTT rights with Disney+ Hotstar, ensuring further revenue after its theatrical run concludes. As the movie enters its third week, it’s expected to continue drawing crowds, especially in overseas markets where Indian films traditionally enjoy longer runs.
Conclusion
Kishkindha Kaandam has proven to be a sleeper hit, defying early box office predictions. With a gripping story, stellar performances, and positive word-of-mouth, the film has crossed the ₹47.5 crore mark in just 12 days. As it continues its theatrical run, the film is poised to achieve even greater success, marking another win for Malayalam cinema this year.
